Evan is a name of Welsh origin, derived from the old Welsh word "efan" which means "the Lord is gracious". It is believed to have been popularized by the Norman French who brought it to England during their conquest in the 11th century. The name was originally used for both boys and girls but over time has become more commonly associated with males.
The name Evan gained popularity in English-speaking countries during the late 20th century, particularly in the United States and Canada. It ranked as one of the top 500 names for boys in several years during this period. Despite its Welsh roots, Evan is not considered a traditional Welsh name today.
In literature and popular culture, Evan has been used as a character's name on numerous occasions. Some notable examples include Evan Harris in the novel "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro, and Evan Treborn in the film "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind". Additionally, several musicians have chosen Evan as their stage name or nickname, such as American musician Evan Dando from the band The Lemonheads, and Canadian singer-songwriter Evanescence.
Overall, Evan is a name with an interesting history and origin that has been adopted by various cultures throughout time. Its meaning "the Lord is gracious" may hold special significance for those who choose this name for their child or themselves.
The name Evan has been popular in the United States for over a century, with its usage fluctuating over time. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the number of babies named Evan ranged from as few as 11 to as many as 35 births per year. However, starting around 1964, there was a significant increase in the popularity of the name, with over 600 babies named Evan born each year.
The peak of Evan's popularity occurred in the late 1970s and early 1980s, when it became one of the top 5 most popular boys' names. In 1982 alone, there were 2,668 births with the name Evan, making it the second most popular name that year.
Despite this popularity spike, Evan has remained a consistently popular name in the United States. It has consistently ranked within the top 100 most popular boys' names since the late 1960s and is currently ranked as the 74th most popular boy's name as of 2021.
Overall, over 282,704 babies have been named Evan in the United States between 1880 and 2023. This demonstrates that while its popularity has fluctuated throughout history, Evan remains a beloved and enduring choice for parents looking to name their sons.